The Duke of Sussex shared his 'personal joy' of soon becoming a father and hailed the 'Invictus family' as a symbol of strength, honour and optimism as he opened the competition in front of crowds of adoring fans today.

Prince Harry and Meghan, who wore a Stella McCartney dress and a coat by Gillian Anderson for Winser London, watched as artists and dancers took to the stage at Sydney Opera House during the glittering opening ceremony.

A band with bagpipes performed a rendition of You're the Voice by John Farnham, hailed as Australia's unofficial national anthem, as competitors from around the world filed into the iconic venue.

The royal couple were greeted by crowds of adoring fans before Harry took to the stage to praise the 'selfless duty' of the athletes taking part in the contest, which he launched in 2014.

Just a few hours earlier, Harry and Meghan were spotted enjoying a rare moment of solitude as the Duke practised his speech for the fourth Games at the empty venue.

During the speech itself Harry said: 'First of all, thank you for the welcome you have given Meghan and I over the last few days.

'I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all.'

Supportive Meghan took a front row seat to watch her husband of five months take to the stage during their official 16-day Autumn tour. They are visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

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Indigenous Australians dazzle hundreds of athletes with their dance performance at the Invictus Games opening ceremony

Dancer put on a dazzling performance at Sydney Opera House as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex watched

A jaw-dropping fire display at Sydney Opera House, where Prince Harry will address crowds during the opening ceremony today

Prince Harry whispers in Meghan's ear during the glittering opening ceremony in Sydney, attended by hundreds of athletes and their families

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, which was delayed following an electrical storm in Sydney

'Strength, honour and optimism': Prince Harry praised the athletes taking part in the Invictus Games during his speech

'They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like': Prince Harry speaking at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games

Prince Harry was loudly applauded throughout his speech to open the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014

Prince Harry addresses 500 athletes and their supporters at Sydney Opera House during the Invictus Games opening ceremony

A band with bagpipes performed a rendition of You're the Voice by John Farnham, hailed as Australia's unofficial national anthem, as competitors filed into Sydney Opera House

A musician plays during the opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch

Some 500 competitors, taking part in 13 sports, and more than 1,000 of their friends and relatives gathered to watch the Invictus Games.

Harry's speech continued: 'A new generation - the Invictus generation - is defining what it means to serve. And we are all taking notice.

'The Invictus generation has chosen to serve their countries in conflicts that are complex and dangerous and far too often this dedication goes unrecognised.

'They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like.

'With the help of medical science, the Invictus generation has not only survived injuries that in past conflicts would have been fatal, but has also chosen to fight back from the darkest of places to be here tonight. They have shown us the true meaning of resilience.

'When they have been open about their hidden emotional and mental wounds, the Invictus generation has shown us that in today's world being tough means being honest about how we feel - both inside and out.'

Artists performing a dance during the opening ceremony, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took their seats among hundreds of Invictus Games competitors

Laura Wright performs on stage during the Invictus Games opening ceremony in Sydney attended by hundreds of athletes

Meghan claps and laughs as she watches artists perform at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games at Sydney Opera House

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take their seats at the Invictus Games opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

Meghan and Harry lock eyes as they wait patiently for the lavish ceremony to begin at Sydney Opera House, where the Duke will address hundreds of people in a speech

Kate Ceberano and Ian Moss singing at the Invictus Games opening ceremony in Sydney, which was delayed by a thunderstorm

Athletes from the UK arrive at the Invictus Games opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

Athletes from the UK wave and smile as they arrive at the Invictus Games opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

Competitive spirit: Australian athletes wearing neon green face paint arrive at the Invictus Games carrying a flag designed with a kangaroo in boxing gloves

Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove speaks during the opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

The official Invictus Games flag is raised during the opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

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Prince Harry meets guests at a reception at Sydney Opera House ahead of the opening ceremony, where he gave an impassioned speech to crowds

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Sydney Opera House ahead of the glittering ceremony attended by hundreds of athletes

Meghan, followed closely by her husband of five months, is introduced to a guest of the Invictus Games at Sydney Opera House

Beaming: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex smile widely as they arrive for the glittering ceremony in Sydney's iconic opera house

Harry and Meghan chat with Invictus Games guests in Sydney before taking their seats to watch the spectacular opening ceremony

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex surrounded by adoring fans at a reception ahead of the Invictus Games opening ceremony today

The Prince added: 'Our Invictus family has become a symbol of strength, honour and optimism for a new generation.'

The Duke of Sussex told the crowds that the Invictus Games highlights how we should 'support our mates, serve our communities and to respect those closest to us and those whose stories we will never know'.

He continued: 'We have learned to reject pessimism and cynicism. We have allowed ourselves to be inspired. And we have shared in moments of hope, joy and triumph that have served as an antidote to the narrative of division and despair we too often allow to define our era.

'You are the unconquered generation. You are the optimistic generation. You are the role models to us all. And you are going to put on one hell of a show over the next week.'

Meghan Markle dazzled at the Invictus Games reception ahead of the competition's opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

The Duchess of Sussex wore a pair of silver earrings and swept her black locks off her face into a low bun for the lavish ceremony

Competitors wait for the Invictus Games opening ceremony to begin at Sydney Opera House. It was delayed by an electrical storm

Ready to go: Competitors gather to watch Prince Harry make a speech to hundreds of people at Sydney Opera House during the Invictus Games opening ceremony

Prince Harry practising his Invictus Ceremony opening ceremony speech in an empty Sydney Opera House in front of his wife Meghan

Prince Harry showcasing his military attire during the couple's first engagement today, the Anzac Memorial service in Hyde Park, and with wife Meghan (right) at a special Invictus Games car competition

Harry and Meghan shake hands with competitors at the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge in Sydney earlier today

Prince Harry presents a competitor with a medal at the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge at the Invictus Games in Sydney earlier today

Meghan and Harry share a joke with competitors from Estonia at the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, the couple's second engagement of the day

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex applauding competitors earlier today at the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge across Sydney Harbour on Cockatoo Island

The pair beam and applaud at their second engagement of the day ahead of the Invictus Games opening ceremony at Sydney Opera House

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge at the Invictus Games in Sydney earlier today

Prince Harry and Meghan, who are on their official 16-day Autumn tour, opted for casual chic attire as they spectated the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge. They both wore matching branded Invictus Games Foundation polo shirts

Earlier today the Duke and Duchess attended the Anzac Memorial service in Hyde Park to pay tribute to Australia's war dead. They were welcomed by an Australian Army marching band.

Prince Harry wore his Blues and Royals military uniform while Mehgan opted for a buttoned black midi dress nipped in at the waist.

The pair then swapped their formal attire for casual chic to take a boat across Sydney Harbour to Cockatoo Island for a special Invictus Games car challenge.

They took the private vessel from Admiralty House in Kirribilli where they have been staying as a guest of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

The royal couple, in their formal attire, at the Anzac Memorial service in Hyde Park earlier today where they paid tribute to Australia's war dead in a moving ceremony

Meghan threw an elegant white white Altuzarra 'Acacia' blazer, worth about $AU2,371 over the top of her shirt, which was paired with matching 'looker' denim jeans from Los Angeles brand Mother.

The Duchess accessorised with Illesteva sunglasses, worth about $240, and completed the outfit with a pair of Tabitha Simmons 'Millie' heels, which retail for about $1,033. Harry wore grey trousers and brown boots.

The couple travelled to the island to watch the Invictus Games Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge, the first event of the Games hours before the evening's opening ceremony.

Once on the island they were greeted by competitors in their racing uniforms, one athlete from Poland seated in a wheelchair as he chatted to Meghan.

Harry put an affectionate hand on his wife's lower back as they walked along the Cockatoo Island jetty to greet the waiting drivers and their support staff.

Meghan Markle took a boat across Sydney Harbour to Cockatoo Island with Prince Harry to take in a special Invictus Games challenge car challenge.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took the private vessel from Admiralty House in Kirribilli where they have been staying as a guest of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove

The couple travelled to the island to watch the Invictus Games Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge

The boat carried the royal couple with a sizeable entourage, most of whom were also in Invictus clothing

Harry smiled as the couple walked towards the jetty hand-in-hand flanked by burly security guards watching over them

The couple changed out of the formal attire they wore to open an extension to the ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park on Saturday morning, opting for polo shirts emblazoned with the Invictus Games

Meghan let her hair down and changed into a casual blazer and skinny jeans combination after her perfectly polished ensemble hours earlier

Meghan threw an elegant white blazer over the top of her shirt, which was paired with matching skinny jeans and tortoise shell sunglasses, while Harry wore grey trousers and brown boots

Meghan accessorised with Illesteva sunglasses, worth about $240, and completed the outfit with a pair of Tabitha Simmons 'Millie' heels, which retail for about $1,033. The whole outfit is worth almost $4,000

Thunderstorms threatened to derail the opening ceremony today as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived to launch the contest.

Technical equipment was damaged following an electrical storm in Sydney, where Prince Harry is due to make a speech to hundreds of people.

'I was a bit worried. Thankfully it looks like the sky is clearing now,' Prince Harry told Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian as they made their way into Sydney Opera House for the ceremony.

Meghan smiled as the Premier told the couple: 'There's a lot of people looking forward to meeting you.'

Organisers took to Twitter to confirm the ceremony at Sydney Opera House would be delayed following the treacherous weather.

New South Wales is forecast to be hit by intense rain and thunder in the coming hours.

Harry put an affectionate hand on his wife's lower back as they walked along the Cockatoo Island jetty to greet the waiting drivers and their support staff

Once on the island they were greeted by competitors in their racing uniforms ahead of the first medalled event of the Games

One athlete from Poland, a country competing at the games for the first time, seated in a wheelchair as he and his teammate chatted to Meghan

Harry looked in his element as he chatted to others outside the course on Cockatoo Island before the race began

Harry gives a rockstar thumbs up as he walks around Cockatoo Island hand-in-hand with Meghan

Meghan smiles as she watches the action during the car challenge final between Australia and France

Harry helps his wife off the boat as the pair return to Admiralty House after the race to get ready for the Invictus Games open ceremony at the Sydney Opera House

The loved-up couple continued to hold hands after Meghan was safely on to the jetty

Just before the opening ceremony, the couple will join Premier Berejiklian for a dinner reception at Bennelong Restaurant in the Sydney Opera House with legendary Australian Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe

From there they watched the cars go through their paces in preparation for the race to be held soon after, as dozens of others reached over barriers to snap photos of the action.

Australia went down to France with its team of retired sniper Craig McGrath, 45, who was hit by shrapnel in Afghanistan in 2012, and mine specialist Scott Reynolds, 39, who served in Iraq in 2003.

The competitors raced through three courses, the first getting them to quickly park in marked rectangles the exact size of the car.

Then they had to squeeze through posts sticking out of half a metre of water on a complicated track, and race through a course that was randomised with flashing lights.

The royal couple also took time out to play with remote control cars alongside children from different countries who travelled to the event with the athletes.

Harry appeared to have a barrel of fun driving the cars across the uneven grass off to one side of the course, laughing, smiling, and sometimes gesturing his arms in frustration.

The royal couple also took time out to play with remote control cars alongside children from different countries who travelled to the event with the athletes

The children looked both excited to be racing the cars with the prince, and wanting to beat him at the game

Harry appeared to have a barrel of fun driving the cars across the uneven grass off to one side of the course

He laughed and smiled but sometimes gestured his arms in frustration while Meghan chuckled beside him

Harry's attempts at racing remote control cars against the children were a rollercoaster of emotion

Harry laughs as he runs to retrieve a remote control car that got into difficulty on the uneven grass

Harry offered Meghan a turn with the remote but she didn't look particularly enthused about taking him up on it

Meghan looked on with amusement and smiled at the youngsters who were excited to meet the Duke and Duchess, even shaking hands with one as Harry gave him a pat on the head

The couple also presented the children with medals for their participation in the remote control car rally

Meghan looked on with amusement and smiled at the youngsters who were excited to meet the Duke and Duchess, even shaking hands with one as Harry gave him a pat on the head.

The competition turned serious as Harry competed against two boys, one from Australian and another from Holland in a race across a track strewn with rocks and other obstacles.

A chuckling prince enthusiastically pursued the boys' cars with his own calling out 'alright I'm coming, I'll catch you,' while sporting a giant grin.

The Prince was bested by 13-year-old Danyan Jones from Ballina in the NSW Northern Rivers whose father Jamie Tanner, 35, will represent Australia in the wheelchair tennis and rugby events.

Mr Tanner was a soldier in the Australian army who served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan before he was medically discharged in 2016 with terrible injuries and PTSD.

Danyan bragged about his victory after defeating Harry, who mostly enjoyed himself but looked frustrated at time during the friendly race.

'Harry was good at remote control cars, but I was better – obviously,' Danyan said.

From there they watched the cars go through their paces in preparation for the race to be held soon after, as dozens of others reached over barriers to snap photos of the action.

One car was seen squeezing through posts sticking out of knee-high water on a complicated track that tested the wounded veteran drivers' skill

Another part of the course on Cockatoo Island, with the gorgeous Sydney Harbour including the Bridge and Opera House as a backdrop

Competitors raced through the track in an attempt to win the first medals of the fourth edition of the Invictus Games

Danish athletes cheer on their teammates during the event, waving flags and shouting encouragement from the sidelines

Other athletes and spectators, a few supporting Georgia, applaud from the gallery as the race goes on

The Duchess posed with the silver medal-winning Australian team as they stand on the podium after the race

'Meghan was funny. She was saying 'I'll have a go but I'll crash it over the fence and put it in the water' Harry took the controls and had a great sense of humour about it, too.'

Danyan recalled that another boy's car knocked over both theirs and Harry's, and the child, Aiden, six, only put his own car the right way up, prompting the Duke to joke 'thanks for picking my car up, mate', to much laughter.

The royal couple were a big draw card for Danlan and his siblings attending the Games, along with watching their father compete, according to mum Leesa Kiwok.

'For months and months the kids have been saying will we get to meet them (Harry and Meghan) and we kept saying you'll see them but you most probably won't get to meet them,' she laughed.

'This is just extraordinary.'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were earlier greeted by adoring fans as they opened a $40 million extension of the war memorial at Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD in a surprise appearance

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex make their way down the war memorial steps during the ceremony alongside Governor Hurley and his wife Linda, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison following behind along with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (back right) and Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott (back left)

Earlier Harry and Meghan were greeted by adoring fans as they opened a $40 million extension of the war memorial at Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD in a surprise appearance.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at Hyde Park about 10am on Saturday with NSW Governor David Hurley, a former chief of the defence force, and were welcomed by an Australian Army marching band.

Harry rolled out his best 'officer and a gentleman look' in the tropical dress of his regiment, the Blues and Royals, with medals, KCVO and sword.

Meghan wore an elegant $AU2,927 black frock by New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead, a choice that was seen by many as a nod to the ANZACs.

She also wore a pillbox style hat by Philip Treacy and paired it with a matching clutch bag.

They were joined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott on an overcast Sydney morning.

Walking beside Harry as he arrived, and throughout the ceremony, was Governor Hurley, who was decked out in a similar white dress uniform to the prince's, with his wife Linda in a blue dress and hat.

Harry and Meghan were treated to a traditional Welcome to Country, including a didgeridoo performance by two Aboriginal men painted in traditional body paint, and a performance by an indigenous dance troupe.

Harry rolled out his best 'officer and a gentleman look' alongside Meghan, wearing an elegant Emilia Wickstead dress and Philip Treacy hat

Meghan waves as he gets of of the car after the royal couple arrived at Hyde Park on Saturday morning

Prince Harry wore the tropical dress of his regiment, the Blues and Royals, with medals, KCVO and a sword

Aboriginal twins Krystal and Sienna Dawson presented the royal couple with a medallion and a painting during their visit.

The girls, aged nine, were from the Koomurri aboriginal dance troupe and both said they were nervous about meeting and performing for Harry and Meghan.

Krystal, who did an aboriginal art floral painting said: 'They said hi and 'nice to meet you'.'

The medallion, presented by Sienna, said 'play the game', the motto of the Beverly Hills public school which they attend.

'I didn't want to dance at first, but then it was fun,' she said.

Their mother, Connie, said: 'I think it was very overwhelming for them, as a parent. It was a very important ceremony and it's important that the next generation coming through should be part of it.'

Harry pays his respects at the foot of the steps and unveils a commemorative plaque during the ceremony to open the war memorial extension

The couple laid a wreath in remembrance of fallen soldiers during the ceremony

Harry and Meghan sombrely carry the wreath together towards the foot of the steps before placing it on a stand

Harry and Meghan held the wreath together as they laid it at the foot of the steps near the fountain at the bottom

Harry salutes the newly-reopened memorial after laying the wreath, showing his respect for Britain's staunch allies during World War I and following conflicts

The touching note left on the wreath by Meghan and Harry, expressing their gratitude to soldier who fell 100 years ago

Harry and Meghan bow their heads during a sombre part of the ceremony with the wreath they laid in the background

The Duke and Duchess were seated with Premier Berejiklian and Mr Morrison on their right and Governor and Ms Hurley on their left during the ceremony

Prince Harry shakes hands with Premier Berejiklian at the conclusion of the ceremony. The pair will cross paths again on Saturday night when she hosts the royals at a dinner reception at the Opera House

Prince Harry and fellow military man Governor Hurley share a moment as the Australian Army marching band plays

Harry and Meghan shake hands with Aboriginals painted in traditional body paint after they were treated to a traditional Welcome to Country, including a didgeridoo performance

Harry and Meghan then laid a wreath at the foot of the steps to honour Australian war dead, saluted the memorial, and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Royalty fans had to hustle to the park after hearing of the couple's involvement as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's attendance was kept secret until the last minute.

Spectators lucky enough to see the barricades and heavy police presence as they walked past got prime position before others heard about it on social media and flooded the streets.

'I just bought a car and was driving it around when I noticed all the road blocks, so I thought I'd see what was going on. It was a big surprise,' a man called Arthur told Daily Mail Australia.

The crowd was far less prepared than at previous appearances, lacking the signs and costumes of fans at Bondi Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Friday, which were advertised well in advance.

However, a cardboard cutout of Harry and Meghan watched on from a balcony overlooking the park as the royals arrived.

The couple received a tour of the new education and interpretation facilities and the Hall of Service where the new sculpture Sacrifice stands

Harry stares pensively across Hyde Park after his tour of the war memorial extension, alongside Meghan and Governor Hurley and his wife Linda (left)

Governor Hurley fills the royal couple in on the plan after they exchange greetings upon arrival at Hyde Park

Harry walks with NSW Governor David Hurley, a former chief of the defence force, with their wives chatting as they followed behind

Governor Hurley salutes Prince Harry as they meet on the street next to Hyde Park after the royals arrive

Jordan Ilencik travelled by train from Glenfield on his own on Saturday for a second meeting with the prince, a day after presenting him with a $250 replica tiara of one once worn by his mother Princess Diana.

'I met him on the Harbour Bridge yesterday, and he said if I came today, I could meet Meghan,' he said excitedly.

The 13-year-old brought with him a sign made of lipstick and a framed photograph of the pair together. He also had a letter to deliver to the Duke and Duchess containing photographs of the pair together.

He was joined by Adam Yassine, nine, who was coming back from a basketball game when he saw police horses standing guard.

'I wanted to know what was happening, and now I want to meet Harry,' he said. 'I like him because he's nice and he helps poor people.'

Mr Morrison clutches a war memorial pamphlet and a sprig of wattle as he attends the ceremony with the royals

He greeted other VIPs who assembled for the ceremony, a welcome distraction from Saturday's potentially disastrous Wentworth byelection

Royalty fans had to hustle to the park on Saturday morning after hearing of the couple's involvement as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's attendance was kept secret until the last minute

Spectators lucky enough to see the barricades and heavy police presence as they walked past got prime position before others heard about it on social media and flooded the streets

A cardboard cutout of Harry and Meghan watched on from a balcony overlooking the park as the royals arrived

Jordan Ilencik, 13, (left) brought with him a sign made of lipstick and a framed photograph of the pair together from when they met after Harry climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Friday. He was there with his friend Adam Yassine, nine (right)

Harry salutes as he arrives at the memorial, paying his respects to Australians killed in World War I, 100 years after the end of the conflict

Prince Harry walks beside Governor Hurley with Meghan and Ms Hurley following behind, with army personnel bringing up the rear, as they enter the war memorial

Before the ceremony, the couple received a tour of the new education and interpretation facilities and the Hall of Service where the new sculpture Sacrifice stands.

The sculpture features more than 1,700 soil samples from each NSW town, suburb, and district given as a place of address by First World War enlistees in the region.

The extension includes a water cascade on the southern side. A walkway through the cascade allows Memorial visitors to enter the new Hall of Service, exhibition galleries and education facilities.

The Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension, as it is called, was opened this year as it is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

The Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices made by those who served for Australia and New Zealand, was initially designed in the 1930s by Bruce Dellitt.

The Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices made by those who served for Australia and New Zealand, was initially designed in the 1930s by Bruce Dellitt

The couple were welcomed by an Australian Army marching band who played the national anthem and other tunes

Prince Harry stands to attention as the army band plays in front of him and the public take photos from across the road

But following the Great Depression, the finances were not available to make Mr Dellitt's vision a reality, including a four-tier cascading waterfall on the Liverpool Street side of the monument.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also attended the ceremony from a VIP seating area at top of the the steps by the fountain and pool of reflection.

Later in the evening, Prince Harry will open the Invictus Games at the opening ceremony in the Opera House forecourt, where his expected to make a speech.

Just before the opening ceremony, the couple will join Premier Berejiklian for a dinner reception at Bennelong Restaurant in the Sydney Opera House with legendary Australian Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe.

Invictus Games opening ceremony 2018: The Duke of Sussex's speech in full

'Hello Sydney. Hello Australia. And hello Invictus.

'On this day in 1973, my grandmother, The Queen, stood in front of this Opera House and declared it open.

'Forty-five years later, to the day, it is my honour to be standing in front of this iconic symbol of Australia's place in the modern world at the start of the fourth Invictus Games.

'I'm sure you'll all agree that these Games have never had a more beautiful backdrop.

'Many of you will have heard me explain the genesis of these Games before.

'From my life-changing flight back from the battlefields of Afghanistan, to the example of America's warrior games, Invictus was inspired by the experiences I had alongside our servicemen and women from many nations.

'These Games were created for our men and women in uniform; designed around their talents and their needs; and built not just for them, but also for the friends and families that have supported their recoveries and had their lives changed forever.

'Over the last four years though, the Invictus Games have become about much more than the thousands of competitors who have taken part.

'Invictus has become about the example of service and dedication our competitors have provided to the world.

'Our Invictus family has turned these games into a symbol of strength, honour and optimism for a new generation.

'In a few weeks time we will honour the memory of the generation that fought the First World War - including the sacrifices of the Anzacs whose ethos and heroic actions helped forge the character of this great country.

'So much has rightly been made of my grandmother's generation who endured the horrors of the Second World War and then rebuilt a world order around freedom and tolerance.

'The legendary bravery and resilience of the Aussie digger - to this day - commands respect and admiration.

'And the efforts of your soldiers to defend this nation and support your allies in theatres from the Kokoda Trail, Vietnam and Korea, to Iraq and Afghanistan, have been outstanding.

'But if we're being honest, we know that in many nations, the place of our men and women in uniform became too often undervalued in the decades after the Second World War.

'The sacrifice and character of our troops never changed, but society's recognition of them too often wavered.

'But that has changed.

'A new generation - the Invictus generation - is defining what it means to serve. And we are all taking notice.

'The Invictus generation has chosen to serve their countries in conflicts that are complex and dangerous and far too often this dedication goes unrecognised.

'They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like.

'With the help of medical science, the Invictus generation has not only survived injuries that in past conflicts would have been fatal, but has also chosen to fight back from the darkest of places to be here tonight. They have shown us the true meaning of resilience.

'When they have been open about their hidden emotional and mental wounds, the Invictus generation has shown us that in today's world being tough means being honest about how we feel - both inside and out.

'When they have taken to the tracks, fields and pools in London, Orlando, and Toronto, the Invictus generation has exemplified sportsmanship, bravery and world class athleticism.

'They have shown us all that the most difficult challenges can be overcome.

'When the families and friends of our competitors have lifted them up, overseen their recoveries, and cheered them across the finish lines, the Invictus generation has redefined what shared sacrifice means.

'They have reminded us all of our duties to each other - to support our mates, to serve our communities, and to respect those closest to us and those whose stories we will never know.

'And when all of us have watched the Games on TV or in the stands, we too have become part of the Invictus generation.

'We have learned to reject pessimism and cynicism. We have allowed ourselves to be inspired. And we have shared in moments of hope, joy, and triumph that have served as an antidote to the narrative of division and despair we too often allow to define our era.

'So when all of you compete over the next week, remember that you do so, not just for yourselves; not just for your families; not just for your nations.

'You are competing with different flags on your chest, but you are competing together for one Invictus generation.

'You are the unconquered generation. You are the optimistic generation. You are the new generation of service and you are the role models to us all.

'And you are going to put on one hell of a show over the next week.

'Now before I close, I want to say something directly to our hosts, the people of Australia.

'First of all, thank you for the welcome you have given Meghan and I over the last few days.

'I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all.

'But now I have a mission for all of you Aussies. And it's not how many shrimps you can put on the barbie! Our competitors have made it to these games, most of them travelling from many thousands of miles away.

'It's your job to cheer them on and share their stories. It's your privilege to watch in the stands or with your friends and families around the television. It's your responsibility to make sure your children know how amazing these guys and girls really are.

'Be inspired. Get excited. Allow the example of service and determination you will see, to change something big or small in your own lives.